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Category: RV Lifestyle

  • Update on the Big Outdoor Adventure Giveaway: WE HAVE A WINNER!




    From April to June this year, we were so thrilled to have had the opportunity to run The Big Outdoor Adventure Giveaway in partnership with Keystone RV and Thousand Trails! Now – out of more than 75,000 entrants – we are happy to announce that Patty Washall of Wilmington, Delaware is our grand prize winner!

    Patty won a 2016 Keystone Fuzion Impact VaporLite 26V RV and a year-long Thousand Trails camping pass, with the total value of her grand prize totaling nearly $40,000! As frequent tent campers, Patty and her husband have dreamed of owning an RV for years, but something always seemed to come up when they were ready to buy.

    “We are thrilled to be the Keystone Vapor Lite winners! This is a dream come true for a couple that loves camping more than anything,” said Mrs. Washall.

    “We have been tent campers for many years, and it has been our greatest wish to own a real camper. We can’t wait to enjoy all the seasons in our brand new RV!”


    Earlier this month, Patty and her husband received the Keystone RV and Thousand Trails camping pass at the Indian Valley Camping Center in Souderton, Pennsylvania. “We couldn’t have dreamed of a more deserving winner for this giveaway,” said Paige Bouma, vice president of RV Trader. “We can’t wait to hear about all the incredible places Patty and her husband visit in their new RV.”


    Stay tuned to our blog and social media pages for updates on the winner, her story, and future journeys in her brand new Keystone RV!



    Check out the video of our grand prize winners receiving the keys to the Keystone VaporLite!


    About Keystone RV
    Keystone RV Company is the #1 manufacturer of fifth wheel and toy haulers in North America, and a leading manufacturer of travel trailers. With over 1,000 retail locations in the United States and Canada, you are never far from a Keystone dealer. Keystone is a subsidiary of Thor Industries (NYSE:THO), one of the world’s largest manufacturers of RVs.


    About Encore and Thousand Trails
    Encore RV resorts and Thousand Trails campgrounds feature more than 180 locations across North America, comprising nearly 70,000 sites. Owned and operated by Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. (NYSE:ELS), Encore, Thousand Trails and their affiliates offer RV and outdoor recreation enthusiasts opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in top vacation destinations, complemented with resort-style amenities. For more information, please visit RVontheGo.com.


    About RV Trader
    RV Trader, a part of Dominion Enterprises’ Recreational Brands division, is the premier online classifieds website for buying and selling RVs. Over 145,000 new and pre-owned recreation vehicles are available from dealers and private sellers across the country. With over 3 million visitors every month, RV Trader is the perfect place to search, shop and sell RVs.
    Find your dream RV today on RV Trader!

  • Actually living out the TRUE American dream: Meet the real-life couple who quit their business day jobs to travel the country in an RV

    Hudson and Emily are a 25-year-old husband and wife – but they’re anything but your average American couple.

    They both have Masters degrees in Business Administration. Both of them love to travel and adventure the world. And, believe it or not, they recently quit their “American dream” jobs in the greater DC area to pursue their true American dream of traveling the country in an RV together! 
    Travel and lifestyle bloggers since 2012, they recently purchased a 2000 Fleetwood Bounder diesel pusher and are beginning renovations on the inside. On January 1st, they will embark on a year-long, “bucket list” trip, and plan to visit all 50 states. Some of their planned destinations include:
    • Hiking America’s great National Parks
    • Attending national events, such as major concerts, sporting events, state and county fairs, etc.
    • Living amazing adventures (like skydiving, bungee jumping, and swimming with sharks)
    • Making unforgettable memories (Exhibit A: riding a helicopter over Alaskan glaciers


    “One of the biggest encouragers of our dream was Hudson’s dad, who passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack last year,” Emily told us. “As hard as that has been, it’s also been a good reminder not to wait until we’re retired to live our dreams – because we never really know if we’ll have that opportunity.” 

    The two will be actively blogging, uploading videos to YouTube, and updating their social media platforms regularly to document their daily adventures and newfound RV living experiences.

    “Our goal is to encourage people to think about the stories they want to tell someday – and then go out and live them.” 

    Stay tuned for updates on this incredible traveling duo’s journey in 2017!



  • Latest edition of Go RVing Canada’s Wildhood Stories now on YouTube!

    Go RVing Canada recently released a jaw-dropping addition to their video series “Bring Back the Wildhood,” documenting the nomadic adventures of photographer Brendan van Son and his girlfriend, Erin. The couple’s series records their trip to from Toronto to Calgary…and honestly, it’s something you’ve got to see to believe. Translation? Social media = powerful, appealing digital and social media-based consumer experiences. Check it out and get inspired by this incredible project.

  • The ultimate summer’s end family adventure: Sanibel-Captiva, Florida

    Read Roadtrippers’ full feature on this incredible South Florida getaway!

    Sanibel Island Lighthouse


    The ultimate family adventure in Sanibel-Captiva, Florida MapLocated just north of Naples, south of Tampa, and west of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island provide the perfect gulf getaway, with more than 15 miles of soft, white sandy beaches.
    There’s a little something for everyone in the family at Sanibel Island, from quirky restaurants such as the famed Bubble Room to the historic Sanibel lighthouse. And the beaches here boast some of the best shelling in all of America.

    The Bubble Room

    To add to the charm of Sanibel and Captiva, there are no stoplights, and you won’t find any buildings that are taller than the tallest palm tree. A short 3-mile drive along the causeway from Fort Myers will take you to this haven like no other.

    Sanibel Island Beach


    Read all about the following attractions and more at Roadtrippers today!

    • The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
    • The Bubble Room
    • Holiday Inn Sanibel Island
    • Sanibel Island Lighthouse
    • Lazy Flamingo
    • Adventures in Paradise Outfitters
    • Sanibel Island Beach

  • Save 50% off Campsites with Passport America!



    With nearly 1,900 quality parks all across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, Passport America, ‘the Original and World’s Largest Discount Camping Club,’ prides itself in providing their members with the lowest price, largest network of quality campgrounds, and best value service of 50% off nightly rates.

    Founded in 1992 with a dream and a mission, Passport America has continued the success of providing campers and campground partners with great savings, allowing RV’rs and campers to go and camp more, and enabling campground owner affiliates to increase their revenue. The end product is a win-win situation for all. For only $44 a year, Passport America members receive all of the following:

    • A personalized 50% Discount Travel Card
    • The All-New Annual International Camping Directory
    • A free online subscription to RV America magazine (published four times a year, containing travel features and more)
    • Free online trip routing
    • Access to 24/7 online campground search at www.passportamerica.com
    • Economical rates on MyRVMail.com
    • PLUS a friendly and professional staff who is always happy to serve you!

    Amazingly, Passport America conveniently pays for itself the first time you use it! Get your Passport America 50% Discount Camping Card Now for only $44, and become a part of the lowest-priced, fastest growing and most exciting camping club of its kind.
    Sign up online at www.passportamerica.com, or for faster service, just call 800-681-6810.
    Mention code RVTRADER to receive an additional 3 Months FOR FREE!

  • Avoiding family conflict in (mobile) closed quarters: 7 things to keep in mind on your next trip

    By Katie Hogge

    You all know you love each other. 

         Whether it’s just you and your partner on your first trip or your 35th vacay with your squad of seven, it’s no secret that vacations and road trips are a much-needed way to escape, relax, and recharge. Yet, the obvious can’t be avoided – you are a group of human beings, just as capable of banter and arguments as you are of love and laughter. But such is completely normal, and should never be something to discourage you from enjoying your next big adventure to the fullest. Thriving in close quarters for extensive periods of time can feel incredibly frustrating and crowded at times, but with a dash of patience and these helpful tips, you can be sure your trip will be an experience full of nothing but memories of family bonding – not of tension or irritability!

    holiday, car, travel

    1. Avoid all that excess “stuff.” While you obviously need to pack clothes, toiletries, cameras, etc., try to leave things that you’re not positive you’ll actually use on the trip at home. That being said, of the things you do bring, try as hard as humanly possible not to over-pack. Perhaps bring a board game or two, some DVDs, and a deck of cards to keep you occupied or in case it storms one night; other than that, though, try to keep the objects simple that you’re going to have living in your RV.

    2. Speaking of stuff…don’t worry so much about your outfits or physical appearance for each specific day, other than what you’ll need to enjoy the activities you have planned on your vacation. Always try to plan out a set of outfits you know you’ll wear, and try to overlap items whenever possible. It’s more than likely you could wear those jeans 2 or 3 times instead of once, and you could probably get away with reusing your t-shirt from your first day on the road as a beach/pool/goofing-around-by-the-campfire cover-up, instead of bringing a bunch of extra gear.

    3. Make sure each person has his or her space, however small, that is theirs and only theirs for the duration of the trip. No matter where you go or who you’re with, it can’t be refuted that personal space is a necessity when it comes to ensuring all personalities are cooperating and meshing together well in a tightly enclosed, mobile environment like an RV. Perhaps your spouse would prefer some time to read and lounge in a certain spot; maybe your teenage daughter feels like she needs one drawer to herself rather than sharing a chaotic storage system with her younger brothers. Whatever the case, each traveler should make a conscious effort to give others in the group their space – while also remembering that such personal space is just as important for their own sanity as well.

    4. Remember, furry friends and family members should never be excluded from the above conditions. As lovable as your pets may be, they need their own space too, just like any other creature living in a tightly packed home with other living beings! Whether you bring a dog bed or designate a comfy pile of blankets just for them, just make sure they have something – that way, they can recharge just like you do, and will be ready for another fun-filled day once the sun rises again!

    5. While we’re on the topic of space, organization is key. That’s not to say that your RV needs to be in tip-top, feng-shui condition the entire time; you’re on vacation, and the occasional mess or disarray of sand-ridden clothes and muddied sneakers can’t really be avoided, especially for the sake of a good time outdoors! However, pre-departure preparatory steps to keep your RV storage, kitchen, etc. nice and clutter-free can keep your mind focused on the more important aspects of the trip – getting outside and having some fun with your clan, and not cooping up inside just to clean and rearrange like you might back at home!

    Gone with the Wynn’s video RV Organizing: Don’t be a hot mess!

    6. Try your best to plan each day’s meals ahead of time, regardless of how much of a success or disaster it might end up being. The truth of the matter is that things can and will come up, and you won’t always follow the schedule you make for yourself each and every day. However, budgeting for which nights you plan to eat out and remembering to bring whatever ingredients are required for the meals you do choose to cook can save your endless amounts of money…not to mention time, which you could be spending adventuring outdoors or telling stories around the campfire!

    And last, but definitely not least…

    7. Remember, we’re all human. We’re all going to get into fights every now and then, and we’re all going to make mistakes at times. We’re going to say things we don’t mean in the heat of a moment of frustration, and we’re all going to drive each other nuts sometimes. While crucial, this one’s pretty simple. Just be kind. The folks over at Roadtreking.com hit the nail right on the head with their advice on conflict resolution in mobile environments:

    “Apologize when you’re wrong, and don’t hesitate to forgive when you’ve been wronged.”


    Just like any family or group conflict, these things will happen. But these trips are meant for fun, togetherness, and an escape from the everyday environments that cause us unnecessary or materialistic stresses. Let the bumps happen when they will, keep the environment positive, and enjoy the ride. After all, it’s RV season.
    And we all know
     #RVingIsGood!


  • Family camping activities from Jellystone Parks: Never run out of things to do on your next trip!

    Family Camping Activities

    Although summer is winding down, there’s still plenty of time to take a camping trip! If you need some inspiration for your next adventure, read on for some family-friendly, kid-approved activities!

    Twig castles 

    Your kids enjoy making sandcastles at the beach, so why not make some out of twigs they collect all around your campsite? Because you may have some difficulty keeping the sticks together, make sure to bring some glue, strings, and scissors along.

    Stories around the campfire 

    This old classic is a tried and true favorite. The stories can range from childhood laughs to scary ghost stories; you can even have the group collaborate on a story! Have one person start, then ask the next person to contribute a sentence, and so on and so forth.

    Scavenger hunt with a nature walk 

    Mix two activities into one! Go on a nature walk or hike and have a list of things to find Some ideas include:
    • A heart-shaped leaf
    • A feather
    • A pinecone
    • Something a raccoon would like to eat
    • Something of every color of the rainbow
    • Something fuzzy
    • Something that makes noise
    • Two pieces of garbage (to throw out, of course!)
    • A piece of treasure
    Whoever gets the most on the list wins a prize!

    Fairy Houses 

    Make houses for homeless fairies! Collect wood, twigs, rocks, and feathers for your construction materials, and place a little door next to a tree trunk – this will let the fairy know she is welcome there! Remember to make it as beautiful as you possibly can, because fairies are picky, and obviously only deserve the best!

    Book Your Trip

    When you’re ready to make your vacation plans, be sure to check out Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, with 84 locations across the U.S. and Canada! 
    Click here to find a campground near you today!
  • Roadschooling 101: Free planning tool!

    Roadschooling 101: Free planning tool!

    Your guide to educational adventures,
     the Roadschool Moms‘ Roadschool Planner tool is FREE for a limited time!
    You may have heard of homeschooling.
    But have you heard of roadschooling?

     

    Right now, thousands of kids are getting ready to get back to their roadschool! Like traditional homeschoolers, these students learn in their familiar “home” environment, with their parents serving predominantly as their home-educator. Roadschoolers and homeschoolers might even utilize the same curriculum for subjects like math, writing, foreign languages, etc…but that’s where the similarity ends. The youngest segment of America’s full-time RVing population, these kids are on the road with their parents, exploring the country and learning history, geology, geography, social studies and science via hands-on activities and first hand experiences.

    Home Sweet Road

    A weekly internet radio show, Roadschool Moms (www.roadschoolmoms.com) provides tips, advice and connections to America’s roadschool families across the miles, and just released the 2016 – 2017 edition of their number one selling tool, The Roadschool Planner. Whether you’re a roadschooler or a family who’s looking to add some educational value to your next family adventure, this planner is the perfect place to keep track of “what you want to learn where.” Like no other planner available, this print-on-demand tool can be personalized for each of your students. It integrates your travels with learning opportunities so you don’t miss valuable lessons, enabling you to easily capitalize on your journey – making your time on the road a true learning adventure!

    To get your free copy of the Roadschool Planner click here!

    Kimberly Travaglino is the author of How to Hit the Road, a comprehensive step-by-step guide for making your family’s full time RV dreams a reality. She is the co-founder of Fulltime Families, a company that supports risk takers, pioneers, and enlightened families blazing their own path across the country.
    Visit Fulltime Families to learn more about full-time RVing with your family today!

  • RV Season: The Coast to Coast Road Trip

    11 states.
    3,098.9 miles.
    Just one depiction of what your next cross-country RV trip could look like, VA to CA…

    STOP 1: VIRGINIA



    STOP 2: WEST VIRGINIA

    STOP 3: KENTUCKY

    STOP 4: INDIANA

    STOP 5: ILLINOIS

    STOP 6: MISSOURI

    STOP 7: KANSAS

    STOP 8: COLORADO

    STOP 9: UTAH

    STOP 10: NEVADA

    STOP 11: CALIFORNIA

    Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort



    Well, what are you waiting for?
    If all you need is an RV, we’ve got you covered.

    Visit RV Trader for the best deals and most comprehensive online list
     of available RV’s in the country.
    Get your cross-country road trip planned today!





  • RV Hidden Gems: 5 best-kept secret parks

    RV Hidden Gems: 5 best-kept secret parks

    This summer, forget the country’s most frequented RV parks, and treat you and your family to the adventure and wonder of these five “best-kept secrets” when it comes to places to take your RV. From coastal beaches to natural waterfalls, these alternative destinations garner extremely high ratings by both loyal patrons and surprise encounters alike and are sure to provide memories of the outdoors to last a lifetime.

    Rifle Falls State Park (CO)

    With dense, rich greenery surrounding an incredible 80-foot triple waterfall, this awe-inspiring environment of limestone caves and picturesque picnicking spots offers an ideal destination for weddings, special events, and impromptu day trips alike. With only 13 drive-in spots, the falls can be extremely busy during the summer – so planning trips for the autumn months or early spring may be key when it comes to the most serene and untainted outdoor experience possible. A number of popular RV destinations have been known to offer scenic waterfall views – but three, and at the height of a multistory building? Don’t waste your precious vacation time visiting other locations when you can treat yourself to the ultimate falls experience at Rifle Falls State Park!

    Read more about Rifle Falls:

    Camping at Rifle Falls State Park

    La Wis Wis Campground (WA)

    In the Tatoosh Wilderness Area of Washington’s Cowlitz Valley River District sits the comfortable, easy-going La Wis Wis Campground. Perfectly situated in Gifford Pinchot National Forest at the intersection of three different waterways, this popular long-stay camping location provides a refreshing escape from the everyday.

    With close proximity to Mt. Rainier and easy access to Purcell Falls and Blue Hole trails, this locale proves itself more than fitting for travelers looking for scenic place to overnight, or for those searching for a good home base to explore the surrounding natural areas.

    Read more about La Wis Wis:

    Gifford Pinchot La Wis Wis Campground

    Thurston Living Kayak & Golf

    Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (WI)

    Nicknamed the “Jewels of Lake Superior,” this chain of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland off Wisconsin’s northern coast provide an incomparable outdoor experience. Cruise the crystal tides of the bays, hike the numerous nature trails, or try catching salmon and trout in the local waters. Meet locals and other adventure-seeking families by joining a variety of guided activities, ranging from lighthouse tours to fishing camps and more. What’s more: who said you had to be in tropical waters to get an amazing scuba-diving adventure? Between abandoned quarries, shipwrecks, and numerous cliffs and sea caves, opportunities for exploration never end on the Apostle Islands!

    Read more about the Apostle Islands:

    Wisconsin Explorer

    Wisconsin Trails

    Jetty Fishery (OR)

    Family run for over thirty years, this adored coastal gem has been hailed as one of the best locales for fishing, crabbing, and all around coastline-loving family trips. Comfortably nestled on the waters of Nehalem Bay, this destination is only feet from tide pools, classic cabled docks, and just a 2 minute boat ride from the great Nehalem State Park beaches. Take a peacefully scenic stroll on the Peninsula to grab an ice cream cone at the classic coastal town of Manzanita. Rent a boat and fish your heart out, as the infamously friendly staff will be waiting for you upon your return with buckets of boiling water to steam your catch in. Between the abundance of Dungeness crab and both natural and cultural sights to see, this place could never disappoint a family looking for a seaside retreat full of both adventure and relaxation!

    Read more about Jetty Fishery:

    Jetty Fishery Marine & RV Park

    Jetty Fishery on Trip Advisor

    Manatee Springs State Park (FL)

    Did someone say manatees? Yep, we did, and this full-facility campground with a first magnitude natural spring is a retreat and relaxation hotspot for both these marine mammals and outdoor travel enthusiasts! As this spring is able to produce 100 million gallons of crystal clean water a year, on average, West Indian manatees are known to navigate upriver during the Winter months to the comfortable temperatures of this state park’s waters, making them perfect swimming companions.
    Embraced by a canopy of red oaks, the worn, historic route of the old Atlantic Coastline Railroad in Nature Coast State Trail and Fanning Springs State Park is directly accessible from Manatee Springs, as is the well-loved Fanning Springs State Park on the Suwannee River. Snorkel, scuba-dive, or bicycle around this beautiful natural spring- and when you’re tired and hungry at the end of the day, there’s a full service takeout BBQ joint considerately placed on the waterfront!

    Read more about Manatee Springs State Park:

    Suwannee Gables: Manatee Springs

    Florida’s Manatee Springs